Don't Fear the Creeper
Sue Hunter, Owner, Heartwood Nursery
With the leaves changing and Autumn upon us, I've been thinking about Virginia Creeper, Parthenocissus quinquefolia, a native species that, while loved by some, is wrongly feared by many people.
From interactions with customers over the years, we've observed that when Virginia Creeper is vigorously trailing along the ground or entwining a tree, many people become concerned, mistaking it for Poison Ivy.
Virginia Creeper, a member of the Grape family, is not Poison Ivy. Whereas Poison Ivy (itself a valuable native species) has leaves in sets of three, Virginia Creeper has leaves in sets of five. Hence the species name quinquefolia.
While many people have a painful allergic reaction to the urushiol in Poison Ivy, typically only people with highly sensitive skin will have a reaction to the calcium oxalate in Creeper leaves.
Why Creeper Is a Keeper
There are so many reasons to welcome Virginia Creeper if it's already growing on your property and to plant it in your native garden.
Virginia Creeper climbs by means of small disc-like pads that help it cling to trees or structures. These discs don't harm wood, brick, or other materials, because they don't penetrate surfaces in the way that English Ivy does, for example.
In addition to its natural climbing habit, Virginia Creeper can function well as a groundcover. Need a low groundcover for erosion control? Virginia Creeper grows quickly, forming a nice, low mat of ground-hugging growth while its roots hold the soil in place.
In the fall, Virginia Creeper’s bright then deep crimson foliage and dark blue berries beautifully mix with the colors of our native trees' changing leaves and fall-blooming perennials, such as Asters and Goldenrod.
More Virginia Creeper at Heartwood Over 35 species of birds eat Virginia Creeper berries. Typically, robins, warblers, bluebirds, and woodpeckers down them so quickly that we don't get much of a chance to see the berries at Heartwood.
The Virginia Creeper Sphinx Moth (also called Grapevine Moth) relies on the Creeper as its host plant.
European Landscaping Use of Virginia Creeper
For years European designers have used our native Virginia Creeper in formal, ornamental plantings. Because the Creeper is not a mortar- or brick-penetrating Ivy, there's no concern that it will damage historical structures.
Years ago, I visited the Lipica Stud Farm in Slovenia, the world's oldest continuously operating Lipizzan horse breeding farm. The landscaping was stunning.
One especially memorable feature: extensive hardscaping with wrought iron trellises and lamp posts that were covered in Virginia Creeper.
I like to encourage my customers to "think outside the garden gate," and try native species that most other gardeners overlook.
With Virginia Creeper, you don't need anything fancy: Try two posts and some chicken wire to create a unique trellis in a corner of your planting area. Give this beautiful, beneficial, yet often misunderstood native vine a chance to thrive.
~Happy Autumn~
